Health: New MMC Gastroenterologist discusses risk factors & triggers

Friday

Feb 22, 2013 at 10:47 AMFeb 22, 2013 at 10:50 AM

Eating a healthy diet is important, especially if you are one of the 30 million Americans with gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD occurs when a faulty valve between the stomach and esophagus allows stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.

Sounds painful — and it is.

“Those who suffer from GERD can experience extreme discomfort,” noted Clyde Collins, M.D., a new board certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologist on the staff of Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. “Symptoms include heartburn, acid regurgitation, wheezing, sore throat and cough. Complications could include inflammation of the throat and lungs, ulcers, and even sinus problems.”

“To minimize discomfort, stay away from greasy and spicy foods as much as possible, and limit consumption of chocolate,” Collins advised. “And while it may not be easy, try to avoid eating large meals, opting instead for smaller portions. Your stomach and esophagus will thank you later.”

If your doctor suspects that you have GERD, he or she may recommend an X-ray of the upper digestive system, called a barium swallow or upper GI series; an endoscopy, in which the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera into the esophagus; a test to monitor the amount of acid in the esophagus, which involves threading a catheter that is connected to a computer into your esophagus; or a test to measure the movement of the esophagus, which involves placing a catheter into the nose and the esophagus.

Treatment for heartburn and other symptoms of GERD may initially include over-the-counter medicines to control the acid. However, you need to be careful because overuse of some of these products can cause constipation or diarrhea. When antacids do not help relieve symptoms associated with GERD, your doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce or block acid production or to help the stomach empty more quickly.

Most people with GERD respond to medications. When they do not, their doctor may recommend surgery to:

• Tighten the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent reflux;

• Insert a device that serves as a barrier to prevent the backup of stomach acid;

• Create scar tissue that helps strengthen muscles as the esophagus heals; or

• Strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and keep the opening between the stomach and esophagus closed to acid reflux.

Untreated, GERD can cause a number of complications over time. They may include chronic inflammation in the esophagus that can lead to narrowing of the esophagus, an open sore in the esophagus, or Barrett’s esophagus. With the latter condition, changes occur that are associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. The cancer risk is low, but you may need to undergo regular endoscopy examinations to check for early signs of cancer.

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GERD Quiz

Are you concerned that you may have more than occasional heartburn? Then, take the following quiz:

1. Do you frequently have one or more of the following: Discomfort behind the breast bone that seems to move upward from the stomach? A burning sensation in the back of your throat? A bitter acid taste in your mouth?

2. Do you often have these symptoms after a meal?

3. Do you have heartburn or acid indigestion two or more times a week?

4. Do antacids provide only temporary relief from these symptoms?

5. Are you taking prescription medication to treat heartburn, but still have symptoms?

If you answered “yes” to two more of the following questions, you may have GERD, according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Contact your doctor for a definite diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

About the doctor:

Clyde Collins, M.D., is a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist on the medical staff of Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. Collins earned his medical degree at the State University of New York in Buffalo and completed an internal medicine residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at Albany Medical College in Albany, N.Y., and is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.